Abstract
The impact response of a three-dimensional human head model has been determined by simulating two cadaver tests. The objective of this study was to validate a finite-element human head model under different impact conditions by considering intracranial compressibility. The current University Louis Pasteur model was subjected initially to a direct head impact, of short (6 ms) duration, and the simulation results were compared with published experimental cadaver tests. The model response closely matched the experimental data. A long duration pulse was chosen for the second impact and this necessitated careful consideration of the head–neck joint in order to replicate the experimental kinematics. The skull was defined as a rigid body and was subjected to six velocities. Output from the model did not accurately match the experimental results and this clearly indicates that it is important to validate a finite-element head model under various impact conditions to define the range of validity. Lack of agreement for the second impact is attributed to the nonlinearity in the dynamic behavior of intracranial stress, a problem that is not reported in the literature. © 1999 Biomedical Engineering Society.
PAC99: 8719St, 8710+e, 0270Dh
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Dimasi, F., J. Marcus, and R. Eppinger. Three dimensional anatomic brain model for relating cortical strains to automobile crash loading. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles. NHTSA: Washington, 1991, Vol. 2, pp. 617–627.
Kang, H. S., R. Willinger, F. Turquier, A. Domont, X. Trosseille, C. Tarriere, and F. Lavaste. Evaluation study of a 3D human head model against experimental data. In: Proceedings of the 40th Stapp Car Crash Conference, 1996, pp. 339–366.
Mendis, K. Finite Element Modelling of the Brain to Establish Diffuse Axonal Injury Criteria. Ohio State University, PhD Dissertation, 1992.
Nahum, A. M., R. Smith, and C. C. Ward. Intracranial pressure dynamics during head impact. In: Proceedings of the 21st Stapp Car Crash Conference, 1977, pp. 339–366.
RADIOSS Users's Manual Version 2.3. MECALOG SARL, Paris, France, 1996.
Ruan, J. S., T. Khalil, and A. I. King. Human head dynamic response to side impact by finite element modelling. J. Biomech. Eng. 113:276–283, 1991.
Ruan, J. S., T. Khalil, and A. I. King. Dynamic response of the human head to impact by three-dimensional finite element analysis. J. Biomech. Eng. 116:44–50, 1994.
Shuck, L. Z., and S. H. Advani. Rheological response of human brain tissue in shearing, J. Basic Eng. 1972:905–911.
Stalnaker, R. L. Mechanical Properties of the Head. Morgantown: W. Virginia University, PhD Dissertation, 1969.
Trosseille, X., C. Tarriere, and F. Lavaste. Development of a FEM of the human head according to a specific test protocol. In: Proceedings of the 30th Stapp Car Crash Conference, 1992, pp. 235–253.
Ward, C. C., M. Chan, and A. M. Nahum. Intracranial pressure—A brain injury criterion. In: Proceedings of the 24th Stapp Car Crash Conference, SAE Paper No. 801304, 1980, pp. 347–360.
Willinger, R., L. Taleb, and C. M. Kopp. Modal and temporal analysis of head mathematical models. J. Neurotrauma 12:N4, 1995.
Zhou, C., T. Khalil, and A. I. King. A 3D human finite element head model for impact injury analyses. In: Symposium Proceedings on Prevention Through Biomechanics. Liebert, 1995, pp. 137–148.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Willinger, R., Kang, HS. & Diaw, B. Three-Dimensional Human Head Finite-Element Model Validation Against Two Experimental Impacts. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 27, 403–410 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1114/1.165
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1114/1.165